Landfall Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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landfall
[หlรฆndfษหl ]
Definitions
weather event
Landfall refers to the point at which a storm or hurricane makes contact with the shore, often resulting in significant weather impact and potential damage. This term is commonly used in meteorology to describe the transition of a storm from the ocean to land.
Synonyms
arrival, coastline, shoreline.
Examples of usage
- The hurricane made landfall near the coast, bringing strong winds.
- After days of tracking, the storm finally reached landfall.
- The meteorologist predicted landfall for later this evening.
exploration
In a historical context, landfall can also refer to the act of discovering land from the sea, especially during voyages of exploration. It signifies a moment of relief and discovery for sailors who have been at sea for extended periods.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The crew rejoiced at their first sight of landfall after months at sea.
- The explorer documented his landfall in the new territory.
- After several days adrift, their first landfall was a cause for celebration.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Meteorologists track landfalls as they provide critical data for predicting the impact of storms on coastal regions.
- The force of wind and water during a landfall can cause significant erosion and alteration of landscapes.
- Certain ecosystems rely on seasonal landfalls to maintain their habitats, as nutrients from the ocean are deposited on land.
Cultural References
- In literature, landfall often symbolizes hope or new beginnings as characters reach dry ground after a journey.
- Movies and documentaries about sailing frequently depict treacherous landfalls, emphasizing the dangers of returning to land.
- In nautical folklore, the first sighting of land after a long voyage was often celebrated with rituals to ensure safe arrival.
Pop Culture
- In video games, a landfall can refer to the moment players land safely on a new map or complete a journey successfully.
- The term is also used in disaster movies where characters must survive the chaos following a stormโs landfall.
- Songs and poems often use landfall to evoke feelings of reunion and safety after a long period away.
Environmental Impact
- Landfalls can lead to devastating effects, such as flooding, habitat destruction, and loss of property.
- They are critical events for ecological studies, as researchers monitor the changes in species and ecosystems after a storm.
- Awareness and preparation for landfalls are crucial for communities to mitigate the effects of natural disasters.
Origin of 'landfall'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from Middle English, where 'land' means ground or earth, and 'fall' refers to the action of falling or coming down.
- Initially, it described the transition from sea to land, particularly for sailors spotting land.
- In the 19th century, it became widely used in meteorology to describe storms reaching land.
The term 'landfall' has its roots in Old English, derived from the combination of 'land' meaning 'the solid part of the Earth's surface' and 'fall' referring to coming down or arriving. It was primarily used in the context of maritime navigation, signifying the arrival at a coastal area after being out at sea. Over the centuries, 'landfall' has evolved in usage, extending to meteorological terminology, particularly in reference to tropical storms and hurricanes making contact with land. The frequent use of this term in both historical and modern contexts highlights its importance in both exploration and weather forecasting, reflecting humans' long-standing relationship with the sea and the implications of storms on coastal communities.